Cohen Under Fire for Obama-Jesus, Palin-Pilate Comparison

UPDATED, 4:40 p.m. ET: Cohen tells the Sleuth he did not intend to compare Obama to Jesus. "I didn't and I wouldn't compare anyone to Jesus. Jesus cannot be compared to anyone," Cohen told us via an email sent by his spokeswoman. "What I pointed out was that Jesus was a force of change, and those who work to accomplish change deserve respect."

Cohen explained that he was defending Obama against Palin's insult of Obama as a community organizer during her acceptance speech at the GOP convention in St. Paul. "Most change initiates with community organizers -- civil rights, women's rights, labor and child labor reform, and disability laws, to name a few," Cohen said. "To belittle community organizers it to belittle Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Alice Paul, Sojourner Truth, Ron Kovic, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Jane Addams and countless other initiators of change."

And Cohen's spokeswoman, Marilyn Dillihay, insists Cohen was not comparing Palin to Pontius Pilate. "Not at all," she told us. "His statements were a response to belittling remarks made by Rudy Giuliani and Sarah Palin, remarks which ridiculed community organizers."

Something tells us this explanation won't fly with the McCain-Palin campaign. Stay tuned.

"If you want change, you want the Democratic Party," Cohen said on the House floor. "Barack Obama was a community organizer like Jesus, who our minister just prayed about. Pontius Pilate was a governor."

In a release sent to reporters, National Republican Congressional Committee communications director Karen Hanretty said Cohen's comment furthers the Democrats' "absurd belief that Obama is the Chosen One sent to save the world."

"Congressman Cohen is free to harbor feelings of anger and resentment toward Sarah Palin, who may become the first woman Vice President of the United States. But the offensive analogy he made today should not be tolerated in the People's House. Pontius Pilate sentenced Christ to death on a cross. So, exactly what point was Cohen trying to make?"

Hanretty is calling on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi rather than Cohen, who just survived a tough Democratic primary challenge in his Memphis district, to apologize for the statement.

"It's not difficult to see why the Democrat Establishment want(s) to destroy Sarah Palin," Hanretty said. "They look down their noses on her values and see what they thought was a 'sure thing' this November slipping from their fingers, with each passing news cycle."

I saw this jesus comment in an e-mail the other day. Didn't give it much thought as it is just another one of those idiotic nothings that come out of cyberworld. Now that you've lent it some daylight I'm sure we'll here about it from now til November. Congrats Mary Anne! You've now joined the army of idiots who detract from what's really important. I'm sure your GOP thank you note will be in the mail soon.

This is pretty much the classic "Jesus was a socialist. If he were around today, he'd be on a government watch list." line. Don't read too much into it.

The GOP spends all its time criticizing Obama, or playing victim to the allegedly "sexist" comments -- it'd be more believable if they didn't use it against *everyone* who dares question Palin's credentials. They're on the offensive because they don't want people to realize how paper-thin their platform is. And unfortunately, the media is all too happy to play along, because it drives sensational headlines.

Oh that's right. Jesus was, and apparently still is, a Republican, so how dare anyone suggest that he has switched alliances and become a Democrat. What a waste of time, almost a big a waste as that kooky speaker of tongues Alaskan who attends a cult church that prays for oil pipelines.

OK, Rebecca, so how exactly will destroying Palin work by getting her elected? Typical liberal (il)logic....

Mike Harley (nice name :-) : The "kooky speaker of tongues" bit does not bother me (and I am an atheist!!!) I will be proud to vote for Palin. Tell me please, exactly what role does a VP's religious affiliation play in his or her job duties?

Congressman Cohen is free to harbor feelings of anger and resentment toward Sarah Palin, who may become the first woman Vice President of the United States. But the offensive analogy he made today should not be tolerated in the People's House. Pontius Pilate sentenced Christ to death on a cross. So, exactly what point was Cohen trying to make?"

Rep. Cohen's response to this should simply be: "Gov. Palin has sought to belittle the qualifications of our nominee by denigrating his time as a community organizer and bolstering her own credentials by trumpeting her time as Alaska's governor. I think it is totally appropriate to make the analgy I made, if for no other reason, but to show the absurdity of her attack."

McCain and Palin owe the American public multiple apologies for filling the airwaves with lies and manipulative tricks. We have to remember that McCain-Palin = Bush-Cheney. They are offering four more years of the same.

Wisconsin, Palin's religion enters into this, because she was recorded telling people that her oil pipeline is "God's will" and that the Iraq war is "a task that is from God."

- Jesus was a community organizer putting the needs of those at the BOTTOM of society above HIS OWN.

- Pontius Pilate WAS a governor.

Obama graduated with a Harvard degree snd the vaunted credential of Editor of the Harvard Law Review. He could have sold his abilities and efforts to the highest Law Firm bidding for a high 6 figure income... But he went to work for the poor and working class people of Chicago instead.

Jesus would find favor with Obama - and not so much with McCain ...Who wears $6000 shoes.

As for Palin - She's just totally unqualified to be VP in ethics, experience, and understanding of the RULE of LAW... VP's aren't supposed to reach out have private citizens they dislike fired from their jobs, or ban books like Palin does.

I hrar republicans mocking both Jesus and Obama making the comparison all the time. So what is their problem? They're jealous because noone is comparing McCain and his seven houses and need to bomb people to Jesus.

I cannot fathom why Palin and McCain want to attack community organizers, the backbone of all they pretend to believe in -- self-help toward a strong, just and supportive nation.

If McPalin want to hold up their Christian morals, I think the comparison to Jesus and Pilate is entirely justified. No one is saying that Obama and Palin *are* these people, just that each seems to be following the example of a different one.

Respect is due to all candidates, but McCain's campaign manager is demanding "deference." That's reserved for royalty or autocrats, and I'm increasingly scared that's how the GOP ticket is seeing itself.

Come on, seriously. I just came from the Fix, who was repeating the 'lipstick on a pig' crap. This is the Washington Post right? Why doesn't one of you grow some chest hair, yes, even you Mary Ann, and report on how the McCain campaign is seeking to turn this election away from the issues...which they have admitted they don't care about! I am hopping mad. Can you tell?

YOU DON'T HAVE TO WRITE ABOUT THIS. It's your column. Use it wisely. Use it to improve your country instead of destroy it. Seriously.

Karen who? Who cares. Cohen was very simply making a point that a community organizer didn't necesarily hold less status or experience than a governor. It was a good point. Let them blab on making it something it wasn't. This isn't a high school lucnh room folks.

I don't care who you are voting for, Cohen's comment was moronic and some level of outrage is justified. He compared Palin to the guy who ordered Jesus's death! What did he expect, a candygram?

Defending Obama's community organizer work is completely normal. Invoking Jesus as an analogy is over the top and a bit dumb given given the criticism of Obama's ego. But what makes this comment so time-space-warpingly stupid was the "Pontius Pilate was a governor" line. Wtf else do you think he was refering to? Ed Rendell? I don't care if you have an I *heart* Obama tattoo, this is completely worth Mary's inclusion in her column.

Perhaps in poor taste, but let the comments fall where they may. I think that the Republicans are whining way too much considering they are the ones who started the "Messiah" comparison.

Now we have the "lipstick on pigs" comment from Obama, which is exactly the same wording that McCain used last May.

Whining Repubs. All they do is start the culture wars and then whine when they think are are being insulted. After a Republican convention that featured long speeches of sarcasm, insult, and ridicule, now they whine, whine, whine.

Perhaps in poor taste, but let the comments fall where they may. I think that the Republicans are whining way too much considering they are the ones who started the "Messiah" comparison.

Now we have the "lipstick on pigs" comment from Obama, which is exactly the same wording that McCain used last May.

Whining Repubs. All they do is start the culture wars and then whine when they think are are being insulted. After a Republican convention that featured long speeches of sarcasm, insult, and ridicule, now they whine, whine, whine.

No, Wisconson for McSame, you are not an atheist. There is no way someone who doesn't not believe in your god would ever vote for a religious nut like Palin who thinks her god wants a pipeline built in Alaska and is gung ho for your religious war in Iraq. Stick to things you know about like book burnin' and gay hatin'.

white woman the expert say, that if Obama stay's on course with his message. On the true issue's, those white female votes ends up only as vented hot air. such as PUMA and other extremist groups. those groups are flooding the polls to make it appear as if Obama is losing popularity.

lets not count out the 'ROVE' attack as well. but all is well on the home front.

HYPOCRITE OBAMA! HE REALLY LET US DOWN! WHAT OTHER LIES IS HE GOING TO SPREAD NOW? HE PROMISED CHANGE, BUT WHO REALLY LOOKED OUT OF THE BOX? IT WAS SENATOR MCCAIN AND GOVERNOR PALIN. I WONDER WHAT DRUGS COHEN IS ON? THIS CAMPAIGN IS GOING TO GET REAL NASTY AND OBAMA STARTED IT BY CALLING GOVERNOR PALIN A PIG. I WONDER IF HE''S LOOKED AT HIS WIFE''S LIPS LATELY? SHE''S NO GODESS EITHER. STAY FOCUSED OR THINGS WILL REALLY GET OUT OF HAND. THIS IS AS GREAT AS BIDEN TALKING A DEFEATEST ATTITUDE TODAY! YOUR ARROGANCE IS GOING TO BITE YOU ALL. DON''T COME CRYING TO ME. WE TOLD YOU SHOULD HAVE SELECTED SENATOR CLINTON. WE THE FORMER CLINTON DEMOCRATS FOR CHANGE AND WHO ARE NOW VOTING FOR SENATOR MCCAIN!

OBAMA IS A RACIST AND A HYPOCRITE! HE REALLY LET US DOWN! WHAT OTHER LIES IS HE GOING TO SPREAD NOW? HE PROMISED CHANGE, BUT, WHO REALLY LOOKED OUT OF THE BOX? IT WASN'T OBAMA OR BIDEN, BUT SENATOR MCCAIN AND GOVERNOR PALIN. I WONDER WHAT DRUGS COHEN IS ON? WE DON'T SEE ANY CHANGE COMING FROM OUR DEMOCRATIC PARTY. THIS CAMPAIGN IS GOING TO GET REAL NASTY AND OBAMA STARTED IT BY CALLING GOVERNOR PALIN A PIG. I WONDER IF HE''S LOOKED AT HIS WIFE''S LIPS LATELY? SHE''S NO GODESS EITHER. STAY FOCUSED OR THINGS WILL GET OUT OF HAND. THIS IS AS GREAT AS BIDEN TALKING A DEFEATEST ATTITUDE TODAY! YOUR ARROGANCE IS GOING TO BITE YOU ALL. DON''T COME CRYING TO ME. WE TOLD YOU THAT SENATOR CLINTON SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE VP SELECTION. NO, YOU WOULDN'T LISTEN AND YOU THREW US TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. NOW WE ARE GOING TO BECOME A THORN IN YOUR BUTT. WE ARE THE FORMER CLINTON DEMOCRATS FOR CHANGE AND WHO ARE NOW VOTING FOR SENATOR MCCAIN! EAT YOUR HEART OUT!

I beg your pardon,"George W. McCain"??? You, of course, know better whether I am an atheist or not, eh? Typical liberal snobbery! Yes, it is absolutely true, I don't believe in any deities. So why would that stop me from voting for a candidate I prefer? Because she has "weird, kooky" beliefs? Well, I think ALL Christians have weird and kooky beliefs - so I guess that would have prevented me from voting for every single Prez & VP in US history - Xtians all??? How does one compare which beliefs are more weird than others? Ridiculous. And BTW, the "book burning" canard has been debunked (see snopes.com). Have a nice day :-) and remember, liberal Jimmy Carter is an evangelical, too...

Isn't it rascist that 90+ percent of people of African heritage are voting for Obama? Makes me change my mind on affirmitive action just like Bill Richardson's comments have made me disconnect from any Latino issues...
Obama is proving himself a sexist yet again...

It is going to take not 1 but 2 kick butt Mavericks to get us out of the mess we are in. That is what we have in the McCain/Palin Ticket. No nonsense, not afraid to do the right thing, not afraid to cross any line to get the job done and done right, not afraid to go against the grain if that is what it takes! Our economy is in a sorry state of affairs directly related to the high cost of fuel which affects everything from loss of jobs to a record loss of homes not to mention the rise in cost of all consumer goods. We have become so dependant on foreign oil that we have neglected to fully utilize such natural sources of energy such wind power & solar power. Along with modern technology such as plug in cars, hybrid cars, v2g technology ,and regenerative braking technology. We still seem to be floundering as a nation as to devising the best plan utilize all that is available to us and lift ourselves out of this mess we are in. We need to take our closest look at which candidates put our economy and energy crisis at the forefront of their agenda. The Manhattan Project of 2009 by Jeff Wilson pretty much says it all...

Bleeding Jesus Ms. Akers. When will the folks who practice journalism for a living actually engage their brains.

Really, giving life to a stupid arguement started by taking someones comment out of context. What does the press do to augment that part of the brain that actually asks direct questions with direct follow ups in an effort to get at the Truth.

Instead we simply see the out of context outrage repeated as if it had substance in the first place.

Really, WAKE UP start acting like an investigator instead of an echo chamber

More feigned outrage.
The McCain backers who have been trolling this site for months have heard the phrase "Jesus was a community organize. Pontius Pilate was a governor" at least 50 times since the RNC convention, and now they're pretending they don't know exactly what is meant by it.

I don't see where Palin was disrespecting community organizers. All she did was compare her job as a mayor to that of a community organizer with the added responsibility of making decision. How that translates into disrespect of community organizers simply beats me.

I do NOT want a religious fanatic in my White House!
I want a sane person taking that 3 a.m. phone call.
I want to hear of the issues and what they intend to do about them!
I don't want to hear anymore name calling or see another attack ad!
I want to hear what they don't agree with and how they intend to CHANGE it.
Simply saying change is NOT enough.
Get to the issues.
Issues! Issues!
I want to hear what they intend to do about;
Energy! Alternative or...?
Health care costs!
Social Security and Medicare and it's Black hole
Education! What do they think is wrong with it and how they intend to correct it.
ECONOMY! People are drowning in debt and they talk about lipstick? I don't care to hear about pitbulls wearing lipstick!
We are fighting 2 wars. How to end them?
We have many returning soldiers. How do we intend to treat them?
Get to these issues! Issues! Issues!

Obama and Biden owe the American public multiple apologies for filling the airwaves with lies and manipulative tricks. I'll give Senator Obama the benefit of the doubt of pig/lipstick. OK....how completely stupid and devoid of thought or judgement.

We have to remember that Obama-Biden = Most liberal Senator in the history of the country..even more liberal than the Socialist Senator and Multiple Presidential Candidate who had to drop outof the race after the first round of Primaries. Not one ounce of executive experience or little evidence of good judgement (declaration of our failure in Iraq, William Ayers, Jeremiah Wright, etc.)

Obama's religion enters into this, because the church he attended for 20 years regularly spewed racist, anti-American hate. We all heard it. Whether or not he agreed with it, he sat in the pew week after week. Not leaving suggests to those with common sense that he didn't have an issue with what he was hearing. And our country was built on the foundation of belief in God. Whether or not you like it, it's historical fact.

The Jesus-Governor/Obama-Palin comparison is a scream. Reminds me of 4th grade recess. Keep it coming, Libs!

Signed,
A "black" caucasion Community Organizer
(thanks for that spot-on comparison, Gov. Patterson)

What we're actually seeing here is all of the hardliners of both the GOP and the blubbering Clintonette camps looking for any which way to keep any ol' hardliner in the White House. Including attacking their more Moderate brothers. Diplomacy is no longer profitable enough and Bush has passed on his blood lust to much of the country and Congress.
But pay back will be a b****. In my districts recent election, an up and coming popular Jewish Democrat was beaten badly.
I think the tables turned against that candidate solely because of his Religion.

Jesus was NOT a community organizer, He is the Son of God and His sole purpose was the redemption of sinners. Lets quit feeding this Obama-Messiah complex. This is partly an issue because as witnessed by the stage in Denver, the man is clearly enamored with himself and is starting to believe his own hype. He's just spouting the same old liberal big government plans that were started years ago and got this country into needless debt. Congressman Cohen knew exactly what he was doing when he said it, which seems to be the Democrat M.O. anymore, make outrageous statements to get a point across, and then act innocent like that is not what they meant. Just like with Obama and the lipstick and fish remarks. He knew exactly what he was doing and could tell by his peoples response to it in the crowd. Then he goes on to compare McCain to an old fish. If he didnt mean it he would have immediately retracted it. He should have know by the crowd response. But he knew exactly what he was doing and he would play innocent the next day. Obama's plans call for nothing but bigger government, higher taxes and more of a nanny state than ever before.

Cohen should have stated (truthfully) that Obama was a community organizer like his prophet Mohammad. Instead he brings in Jesus who was no "community" organizer but one who changed the whole world for generations to come with his message of love and compassion. Surely Cohen does not attribute these virtues to Obama! Maybe he is expecting to secure a few crumbs if Obama becomes President.

It is even more ridiculous on the part of Cohen to infer Sarah Palin by craftily stating that Pontius Pilate was a Governor! He is stupid to infer that the religious person that she is, Palin had acted in a manner akin to ordering the crucifixtion of Jesus!

These rantings will only strengthen white support to McCain and Palin and cause the downfall of Obama! Keep up the good work Cohen!!!

What fun to express beliefs as if they were a source of knowledge instead of supports for borderline personalities.
The discussion circles about an opinion on an unprovable idea based on limited perceptions and founded on a herd mentality.
How is it that speaking in tongues is a universal gibberish understood by none, but accepted as a conversation with an imagined listener?
How is it that the love of a creator can reject all creation as nothing more than the dominion of the human ego?

It is nice to see a Democrat that actually knows about Jesus and Pilate but I think the analogy is outrageous. Just shows how nutty the Obama supporters in the Democratic Party have become. I'm sure Jesus didn't go around bragging about his service and use it to win elections now did he.

Well I told you so. As soon as the lipstick news cycle was over, the republic-cons would find another inane, unimportant statment, out of context,asigning meaning never meant,made by a bit player, while trying to attach the statment to Obama. Wake up America, The Cons CAN NOT talk about the issues or they lose. They are on the wrong side of EVERY issue. Asking Nancy Pelosi to apologize, Pleaseeeeee.

When this news cycle is over, watch for more of the same. There's one thing about the Republic-cons, they are predictable (and)sleezy, oh hell, lets call a pig a pig,the Cons are corrupt.

It seems odd that Ms. Hanretty is requesting that Pelosi apologize for her colleague's remarks. The 'Pubs want Obama to apologize for the lipstick & fishwrap analogies. At some point, Ms. Palin needs to deal with innocuous commentary without having the minions running about demanding apologies. She and her handlers need to borrow Hillary Clinton's ability to conduct herself with dignity and grace in the real world.

I thought Jesus was a carpenter who built houses, stores and banks; chain smoked Camel cigarettes and hammered nails in planks. Sheesh, I guess I was wrong. I always learn something new listening to Democrats. Anyway, McCain & Palin 2008!

Yep just like I thought Obama the anti-christ leading his lambs to slaughter. Obama was born into a well to do family and had access to good education than most city kids will ever have . People say he's so well spoken , I have to laugh , he's a lawyer he's suppose to be. Obama and his wife don't give a hoot about anyone but themselves and that's a fact. Look at the way they look into the crowd of people. You can almost read their minds. They are saying look at these stupid S.O.B's, we got them into the palm of our hands, we will take everything they have from them as soon as we are in control . lol

Sarah was referring to a gov. you have to be accountable for your actions in state affairs. This could mean state funding not received because of your actions. The people of your state could be hurt by them, etc. With her approval rating being in Alaska being I believe in the upper 80's , I don't believe she has any problem. Obama now what has he done, well we know he has voted over a 100 times that he was present. He has never written or had a bill passed. He's attended a hate , racist church that he and wife has made his family attend with them. I wonder how they kids really think of all of this. The kids are the only nice spot in this family, I love how he sweats when his kids are being shown talking into the camera . I wonder what he is afraid of that they may say with a slip of the tongue .

Fact remains, Jesus WAS a community organizer, a social reformer... and Pilate WAS a governor, the highest-ranking representative of the Roman State in Palestine.

If Palin and Giuliani don't like the comparison, they should take it up with the Almighty, cuz "facts is facts". Until then, I suggest they render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and don't whine if someone calls a spade a spade.

I think I am sick of McCain and his sniveling,complaining, and negativity. He was a prisoner of war survivor and that is all he talks about and means he has done nothing since then.So don't worry be happy,keep drilling. In every term, we've had some trouble, but thank you for making oil profits double. dont' worry;keep drilling. Ain't got no place to lay your head. The bank took your home ane then took your bed. Don't worry;keep drilling. Fuel costs, oil prices start to escalate. Meanwhile your wages and rent are late. Don't worry keep drilling. Katrina,Gustav, Hanna, and Ike, I try to treat all hurricanes alike. So don't worry;keep drilling. Got no cash ? Got your bills in a pile ? Hey, McCain's got a pretty girl to make you smile. Cause when you worry;your face will frown. That kind of thinking brings the stock market down. So don't worry;keep drilling. In your life,expect some trouble,but in 4 more years, just watch it double. So don't worry;just keep drilling. Fighting John will hunt bin Laden to hell, Leaving Palin in charge; won't that be swell ? So don't worry; keep drilling. Bert Gonzales took top-secret files to his home. Does'nt this remind you of the fall of Rome? So don't worry. Democrats think they can take my throne. That's why we're feeding folks red meat off the bone. So don't worry ;keep drilling. Halliburton moved to Dubai offshore, But if you liked that group, McCain-Palin has more. So don't worry ;keep drilling. In Minnesota, John tried to push away from me, but Rove and the neocon cronies still smell victory.
So don't worry;be happy and keep drilling.

Seems that Cohen of the WP and Rep. Cohen are twins in
their snide denigration of Christian figures. Had a Christian
pair made the same directed ridicule, but to Judaic ikon figures,
there would a media storm. The difference is hypocritical license.
And do we have plenty of examples in that court.

Palin is not Pilate she is satan incarnate, the true anti-christ. She wants to wage a final holy war agains Islam. She is part of the third wave movement. She has ties to Senior Pastor Mike Rose, Juneau Christian Church
Lou Engle, Paster Hagee

Sara Palin believes that following the Rapture, those remaining will suffer through the horrors of the Tribulation, reign of the Antichrist, and the wars of Apocalypse until the return of Jesus.

Trig: n. 1. A political prop often used by the republican Christian radical right. The governor used a trig to deflect scrutiny of the Christian theocratic aspirations to raise an army and start the final crusade cleans the world of all other religions.

3. sean hannity: n. 1. The act of inserting ones fist into the rectum of a fox viewer without the benefit of Crisco. Sean hannity has wet dreams of being sean hannitied by Keith Olbermann.

Palin is not Pilate she is satan incarnate, the true anti-christ. She wants to wage a final holy war agains Islam. She is part of the third wave movement. She has ties to Senior Pastor Mike Rose, Juneau Christian Church
Lou Engle, Paster Hagee

Sara Palin believes that following the Rapture, those remaining will suffer through the horrors of the Tribulation, reign of the Antichrist, and the wars of Apocalypse until the return of Jesus.

Trig: n. 1. A political prop often used by the republican Christian radical right. The governor used a trig to deflect scrutiny of the Christian theocratic aspirations to raise an army and start the final crusade cleans the world of all other religions.

3. sean hannity: n. 1. The act of inserting ones fist into the rectum of a fox viewer without the benefit of Crisco. Sean hannity has wet dreams of being sean hannitied by Keith Olbermann.

Having lived in Memphis for the past 52 years, I thought Cohen was the lesser of the evils in the last election when he won over a member of the Ford political machine. Apparently, I was mistaken. Give me a good old Ford family member anytime over an idiot like Cohen. Whether the liberals out in blog land realize it or not, he just ruined his political career. Next time, I'll vote for one of the former politicians from this cess pool of corrupt politics before I will ever support him. Cohen's remarks weren't taken out of context; I heard it from his own mouth. It won't do him or Pelosi any good to apologize for the remarks. He just put the final nail in his political coffin. Can't imagine how he will survive without a camera to stick his face in front of every day.

Sarah Palin and the Republicans WHINING again. I am a born again Christian who thinks the Jesus/Pontius Pilate comparison is right on for looking at Obama/Biden vs. McCain/Palin. As Christians, we don't claim to BE Jesus, but we strive to be Christ-like in our actions. Who is more Christ-like - Obama or Palin? Jesus called the taxpayer Zaccheus down from the tree; he spread love to the marginalized; he taught in PARABLES - which for the uninitiated means he used NUANCE, just like Obama. Sarah Palin's speech at the RNC was downright NASTY - it is her own use of language that yields her comparison to a pig and a pitbull.

This "new" bru-ha-ha" by the GOP is frightening, as it eerily resembles the Bush, et al, activities which erroded our liberties and tried to silence the outspoken among us, who I thought, were protected by the Constitution, when they expressed their opinions con Bush policies. The current McCain campaign is crying foul about anything said that they can latch on to and twist to make offensive, when there is no offense present! Have they nothing more substantive to offer us in this precarious world we face after 8 years of George Bush? It would be funny if it weren't so despicable! They need to step up as mature adults (??) and as adults who respect the protections which we dearly fought for so long ago. They need to get on with the urgent needs of our people and vigorously present their concrete plans to turn this country around. I am appalled by their campaign and cannot fathom, in any way, the notion that they could be elected in November!

HOW DARE THE REPUBLICANS TO ASK NANCY PELOSI TO FORCE REP. COHEN TO APOLOGIZE. THE MOCKING OF SARAH PALIN AND RUDY GUILLANI ABOUT COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS TELLS ME THAT THESE PEOPLE WHO HAS NO SENSE OF CARE FOR THE PEOPLE THEY THINK THEY WANT TO SERVE AND YET NOT SHARE THEIR VALUE ARE HYPOCRITES. TO LOOK DOWN ON A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER AND SAY IT DOES NOT HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES...SARAH PALIN NEED TO PUT HERSELF IN THE SHOE OF A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER AND THEN TELL THE WORLD IT HAS NO RESPONSIBILITY...THAT IS FAIR. BUT HER DOWNRIGHT INSULT UPON A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER WHEN SHE HERSELF HAS NO EXPERIENCE ON SUCH MATTER, IS A MOCK-ING BIRD TELLING LIES, STORY TELLING WITHOUT SUBSTANCE. AND TO THINK THIS IS THE WOMAN THAT MCANCIENT HAS TO CHOOSE FOR A VP IS BEYOND MY COMPREHENSION.
I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT REP. COHEN IS COMPARING SEN. BARACK OBAMA TO JESUS CHRIST...I AM WITH HIM AS FAR AS THE WORK JESUS DID FOR THE COMMUNITY. IN MANY WAYS, CHRIST WAS A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER. AND THE INSULT OF SARAH PALIN AND RUDY GUILLIANI WAS THE CROSS THEY CRUCIFIED OBAMA.
WAY TO GO REP. COHEN....THANKS FOR THE INSIGHT. WE SHOULD HAVE MORE BRILLIANT PEOPLE LIKE YOU.

I'm still out here....the independent....the just give me the facts not the slant or spin. I just finished reading the responsibilities of the Govenor of Alaska, our first line of defense against attacks from the North. She is qualified. I can't wait for the debate with Biden, and I like Biden.

Reminding everyone this President will be with us until "2012". That is a magic number.

My opinion is Obama came into the game too fast. He should of waited until the next election. That would of been better timing. The only reason I can see that the Dems jumb the gun was the majority of them just plain didn't want
Clinton(s).

LET'S SEE....
where the comparison was...
JESUS CHRIST IS A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER (A SAVIOR, SON OF GOD)
OBAMA WAS A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER (A HUMAN, NOT A SAVIOR)
PONTIUS PILATE WAS A GOVERNOR (ROME)
SARAH PALIN IS A GOVERNOR (ALASKA)
PONTIUS PILATE HAD CHRIST CRUCIFIED ON A PHYSICAL CROSS
SARAH PALIN WITH HER INSULT ON THE COMMUNITY ORGANIZER REMARK WAS THE CROSS THAT THE MINDLESS GOVERNOR PALIN CRUCIFIED BARACK OBAMA. PERIOD.

So where is the part that says Rep. Steve Cohen compared Barack Obama to Jesus Christ as the Savior???? Philosophy and Theology.....the Republicans may want to start learning both.

One imagines Presidential elections to be serious matters, but not the circus the media and the bloggers are making out of it.
The importance is not if Palin is Pontius Pilate or a pig with lipstick, what is important is that she seems not to realise that Moscow is
nearer to Boston than to the capital of Alaska. So no chance that she gets my vote !

Dear Mary Ann Akers, why do you pick up some gossip to discuss ? Are real problems above your capacities? Or do you suppose your readers have to be entertained with idioties instead of being informed with issues ?

Cohen's remarks were unfortunate because they were a hyperbolic stretch--maybe Jesus was a "community organizer" when he fed the multitudes, but I think his ministry and message were really about something quite different. As a committed Christian, I understand that Jesus WAS in fact concerned with the plight of the poor and disadvantaged. I see next to nothing in Republican policy or action that reflect Jesus's concerns in that realm--rather the opposite. I do think Cohen was reacting against the infantile and snide disparagement of community organizers spewed during the Republican convention. I think he was NOT trying in any sense to compare Jesus with Obama except to make the "don't make fun of community organizers" point.

But far worse than hyperbole, Cohen's remarks gave the McCain smear machine grist for the mill. The Rovians leap at every chance to push the "Obama thinks he the Messiah" button, just like they pushed the "Obama's a celebrity" button. Curious, isn't it, that Palin has celebrity status now, complete with adoring crowds. But that's OK for her, but not for BHO. I get it of course: without Palin's celebrity status and ability to draw a crowd, McCain's campaign would be snore. No wonder they'll be spending most of the campaign together . . .

To tell the truth, I don't care about celebrity status for any politician. We've degenerated into a nation of American-Idol-watching, National-Enquirer-reading morons who care more about the latest garbage from Hollywood than they do about what's happening to their republic.

Will someone please explain how Sarah Palin pointing out that "being a small town mayor is like a community organizer, except with actual responsibilites" is such a grave insult to the dignity of Obama?

No wonder America will not trust the Democrats to fight the war on terror, those that love to fire slings and arrows, yet taking offense at the mildest attempt to answer in kind.

As for Jesus, please note that His "community", when given the choice, elected to see Him crucified while a thief and murderer was released. As for Pilate, when presented with the tough choice, he decided to vote "Present".

Less than 2 weeks on the GOP ticket and Sarah Palin has to be asked to "look America in the eye and tell us you have the experience and ability to step in as president". 20 months Obama has been campaigning, when is he going to be required to answer likewise?

Conservatives, let this be a lesson to you. What Republican congressman in living memory has "reached across the aisle" to the other party more than John McCain?

McCain-Feingold
McCain-Leiberman
McCain-Kennedy
Gang of 14

He has tried to put aside blind partisanship more than Obama, Biden and Hillary COMBINED!!!

And this is the thanks he gets! Dems spent 4 days in Denver firing at him with both barrels, then whine like babies when those mean old Republicans answer back the following week.

He's spent 8 years driving GWB up the wall and they think McCain is more of the same? I've got news for you Democrats, he's been more willing to work with you than any Republican I can think of, but that will probably change in January, and I sure don't blame him.

So, Republicans, reading the idiotic comments above you see what happens when you "reach across the aisle". You pull back a bloody stump!!!

The Republicans are desperate,indeed! Come on ,let us not be puerile. You know,the things that are experienced as children:
"Mommy,he is teasing me"."Dad,she is calling me..." ,See Uncle Bill,Jon is throwing paper at me." Please Republicans,
grow up and discuss matters of interest to
Americans. They are waiting to hear how you would tackle problems of dire importance. The country is in a crisis,and you talk about the Democrats doing this and that to Ms Palin.If you cannot handle
trivial matters, how could you handle matters of international importance?

If Cohen draws an analogy between Jesus and Obama re: community organiser and Palin as Pilate what is wrong with that?
It is Cohen's perception. What troubles you more: Obama and Jesus connection or Palin and Pilate connection? Did Palin not
heap calumny on Obama during her acceptance speech? How the supporters of the GOP candidates took delight when Palin
lambasted Obama! Remember, being religious does not mean that one is also of high morals.An atheist could be of high morals.
Some people do not need an empirical prop
to be ethical and righteous. Some of the
greatest wrong doings were committed by people of religion. Persons should be judged exclusively on their actions- not how many times they went to church and
participated in rituals.

If Jesus himself is cognizant of events that are occuring presently, and if Jesus is the person that transcends the petty bickering that the country is entangled in,
what would he say? I think, he would say
" Let there be peace. Stop your petty quarrels and attend to matters that need
attention.Stop preaching and let us help the people who are desperate. Go to church if that puts you at ease. You would be judged on your actions not by your outside appearance. I am not an egotist who demands that your life centre on me.You do not have to show your reverence for me. The people who claim to be religious have been browbeating you for centuries. You would not go to hell (By the way,where is that place?) for not being a Christian. Just have good thoughts and act in ways that would not harm fellow beings.Think rationally. If I am a person above the flaws and frailities of humans,why would I punish people who do not think about me. If
I require this of you, then I am a egotist.
How can a person that is perfect(you claim that I am; I do not) be so fickle? Egotism
and perfection do not go together.It was not the will of God that the U.S. invaded Iraq! What convoluted thinking! Why would I desire thousands of Iraqis and Americans killed? If you fall for that type of logic,
you need your head examined.You are responsible for your misdeeds and you would pay for them; if you kick a rock,who feels the pain?Does God punish you for this
stupidity? Does it make sense that a Christian who commits the most heinous of crimes would go to "heaven" ,while a Muslim or Hindu or Buddhist or an atheist
who is kind,considerate,helps his fellow
brothers and sisters regardless of their race,colour,religion, would go to hell?
This type of think defies logic? Why do millions fall for this deception?

Now before you contribute towards the election of a person, scrutinize every aspect of the person's life.If a person
aspires to a higher position,that person
should accept scutiny and be accountable to you as an American.Do not fall for oratory.

If Mr Cohen compares Obama with me,why the
mayhem and hysteria. I was a community organiser; so was Obama. Those that are outraged with the comparison are expending their energy needlessly on a futile venture that does nobody any good.How about doing something philanthropic, like helping the victims of the hurricane? If you need lessons in life,mingle with the
poverty-stricken,the oppressed and suppressed,the homeless and your ailing
brothers and sisters on earth.

The Republicans are only making big deal about this because they see how much of a boost they got when they announced Palin as VP and they want to keep that boost. If they keep playing the victim they'll get sympathy votes from the people that are stupid and vote for non-important issues. these are probably the same people that vote for mickey mouse every election. Let's wait and see what happend at the debates. I believe Obama will come out on top. Why you ask? Because its obvious he's the best for the job.

ATTENTION LIBERALS!!! Please, please, PLEASE keep going after Sarah Palin. The more you attack, make fun of, spread lies about and photoshop her head on ridiculous pictures, the more popular she becomes. Thank you, Charlie Gibson! Literally looking down your nose at Sarah while incorrectly defining the "Bush Doctrine".

People who were dubious at best about McCain a month ago are rallying to the ticket because of her; money is pouring into their campaign coffers.

Why? Because she and her story resonate with mainstream America, especially women, everyday folks well outside the Beltway and the corridors of the liberal elitists, who are willfully incapable of comprehending her appeal.

Which is fine with me. Please, by all means, keep it up! Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to seeing Sarah in her inaugural ball gown, with family in tow.

You should all do this instead of comparing Our Lord Jesus to Mr Obama and Mrs Palin to Pontius Pilate.

Furthermore, Maybe Mr Cohen has inside info on the Real Mr Cohen?
Maybe the real Mr Cohen is former Senator and former Defense Secretary in President Bill Clinton's second administration William (the Bill) S. Cohen of Maine.
Yeah......
Maybe he's in line for a Job ( if you'll excuse the expression) in the Incoming President ? administration.

One way or the other maybe "we're all alive in the circle and the cirle is eternal." and that's a quote,

If Palin were of Judaic ancestry, Representative Cohen
would lauding Palin's resilience to overcome the glass
ceiling for women. That's the difference, and par with
the forethought of the Imus mea culpa. But class
always tells, and a bar of soap would result wonders.